I still have a hard time understanding why you compare the Audi 3.0T Competition models with Mercedes' 43 AMG and Cadillac's V-Sport models. I think we all agree that the 43 AMG range is Mercedes' equivalent to Audi's S models. (That's to say nothing of, why isn't the A7 compared with the CLS and 6 series, instead of E and 5 series?)

The closest Mercedes competition to this car is the CLS 550, not the E43 AMG. The E43 AMG competes with the S6 Sedan and the BMW M550i. Making the E43 AMG the measuring stick against Audi 3.0T and BMW 540i models is a bit unfair - it's a gun in a knife fight. Much like you'd leave the E63AMG to the big boys - the M5, CTS-V, and RS6/RS7.

Which ones exactly? Not following. Are you saying, when it comes to facing the E43 AMG, Audi is worse off with the S6 than with the A7 3.0T Comp? Or are you saying the A7 has a tougher rival in the CLS550 than in the E43?

That's demonstrably untrue performance-wise, which is what I was referring to.

If you were referring to the car as a whole, well I can't tell you you're wrong, because it boils down to preferences, but it sounds like you just prefer the 4-door coupe segment over the mid-sized sedan segment. But the truth of the matter is that the A7 competes with the CLS and the 6 series, and the A6/S6 competes with the E-Class/E43 and the 5 Series. The E43 ain't got no bone to pick with the A7.

But yes, the S6 is older than the M550 and the E43. It'd be my last pick, too. Hardly worse than an A7 3.0T, though.

The A7 is still a fine car, perhaps the most desirable Audi. Yet they aren't without their issues. My nephew had one, but traded it early because of the problems. A major one being the continual problems with the low profile tires and rims.

My favorite 4 door sedans (based on looks) currently on the market are the Audi A7 and the Dodge Charger....very sporty and mascline looking despite the extra doors...immediately after these two, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

Dammit! I know I said yesterday that I loved the new RS4 Avant most of all. I mean that package is undeniably sultry. But, WTF am I supposed to do now that you show me this? Ok, I'll keep this for the boulevard, and Opera House, maybe a little saddle blazing on the long open highway's. But, I bet you'll trick me and then drop the RS7 and make re-think everything again. Shame on you Auto Union!

Depends, mostly (I think) on premium vs. non-premium brands. My impression is that non-premium cars typically get 3.5 stars, with a lot of lower scores and a smattering of 5s. Premium brands, on the other hand, you see a lot of 4s and 4.5s, with a few 5s and 3.5s, but rarely lower than that.

Audis are either chronically ugly, led by the R8, Q8 and this A7, or totally generic and bland (any Audi sedan.) The manual transmission in the A4 is the saving grace for this brand. The only Audi I would have any use for.

I second that. Exclusive to the MT option, they need to crank up the boost to enable advertised hp and torque to at least equal the Golf R, if not surpass it. Keeping it exclusive to MT option will ensure no paddle-shifted AT sales are usurped from the AT only V6 S4.

Hopefully any redesign to the exterior for next yr is minimal. Still one of the best looking cars out there. One of only two cars on my short list that I wish would have interior upgrades. The other being the CTS

I hope they don't mess it up. I think Audi exterior designs peaked in the '13-'16 era. I think Marc Lichte has some good ideas, but he has also simplified or overlooked things that made Audis really special in the last gen (like those gorgeous LED DRL strips). Of his first batch of cars, it sounds like the A7 will be the crown jewel, and by all accounts it should look quite a bit like the GORGEOUS Prologue concept, but when I look at the spyshots, all I can think is, man, the current-gen is a tough act to follow.

For a car to be extremely gorgeous, all it has to be gorgeous. Only the first 80% of the A7 satisfies that. Park that dreadful arse out of everyone's sight and I can agree this is the best-looking four-door.

Because for those that can easily afford it, the styling makes it a non-starter. Yes it's been a success in the USA where we all know tasteful design and styling is so well established. I split my time between Europe and the USA, I saw one in Sweden a few years ago. Don't recall seeing one since. Unfortunately I had to follow it and see its poor proportions and a rear end that looks like an elephant sat on it for too many miles.

Reviews need to address comfort of the front seats and rear seats.
Also whether there is a volume control knob, something we use more than any other control save the accelerator and brake and which is therefore a necessity.